School counselors work with all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development, and career development to help students become productive, well- adjusted adults. Counselors work as advocates for student's well-being and listens to their concerns. School counselors work with students indiviudally, small groups, or in large group settings to improve positive outcomes. School counselors help meet the needs of students by designing, implementing, and enhancing a comprehensive school counseling program to enhance and promote student success.

Resources on School Counselors Standards and Role

ASCA Model

Ethical Standards

Mindsets and Behaviors

The Role of a School Counselor

Why Elementary School Counseling?

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an important part of the counseling process. Students are encouraged to share their conversations with the counselor with their families but not obligated. Information is shared when a student provides permission. Confidentiality will be broken if a student shares that they are being hurt, thinking of hurting themselves, or others. If a student shares they are thinking of hurting themselves or others, the school counselor will follow school protocol and notify parents as soon as possible.

Referrals

School counselors are not mental health therapists. A school counselor will see a student 4-6 weeks. If a student is in need of more intensive services, the school counselor will refer for services. A referral may be made if the school counselor makes an assessment. Students that are in need of a success plan will still receive services and check in's with the school counselor but might also require outside services. The school counselor works and collaborates with a variety of outside providers for the success of the student.

Mandatory Reporter Information

All employees of the North Polk Community District are mandatory reporters. If there is a reason to believe that abuse or neglect has taken place, education professionals are required by law to report within 24 hours. While we know that this is difficult on the trust between student ,families, and/or educators, we have a civic responsibility to report. The decision to report is never taken lightly as we understand the impact of a report. We do not wish this to deter families for having their student receive counseling as it can be essential to a child to learn skills or tools to manage difficult emotions. For information on mandatory reporting, please click the link.